According to Ober (2007 p.c.), this language name refers to Daru Island, which is part of Papua New Guinea. Oates (1975) includes Daru in her list based on Laade's notes (though she gives no specific reference). Laade (1968:145) describes a traditional migration story of 'the mysterious Hiamu', from Daru Island to Muralag Island. Apparently the Hiamu were forced to flee Daru Island because of frequent raids by the Kiwai and other groups from mainland Papua New Guinea. He says that Landtman (1927) collected a few songs in their language, which is 'clearly related to that of the western Torres Strait Islands'. Landtman (1927:339), detailing a song, comments that 'the words, said to be in the old Daru (Híamu) language (the same as that of Saibai and the western islands), could not be clearly translated by my informants.'

A comparison of the items from Landtman with Kala Lagaw Ya Y1, Kala Kawaw Ya Y2, Kulkalgaw Ya Y4 and Kawalgaw Ya Y5 would determine whether the language variety referred to here by its original location, Daru, is in fact a distinct variety.